News Archives for Latest - 2025-12-03

US halts all asylum cases, reopens thousands under sweeping security review

Memo directs officers to place an immediate hold on all asylum applications, regardless of nationality, including applicants from countries rarely associated with security concerns.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 11:11pm

Women change pronouns, don fake moustaches in LinkedIn ‘gender bias’ fight

Female users claim adopting a male identity dramatically boosted visibility, but LinkedIn has rejected accusations of in-built sexism.

Updated 04 Dec, 2025 10:33am

Frustration in Indonesia as flood survivors await aid, toll crosses 700

PM Shehbaz offers flood relief support to President Prabowo.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:49pm

South Asia

Afghan Taliban minister says US shooting has nothing to do with his people or govt

“This is an individual criminal act, and the person who committed it was trained by the Americans themselves," FM Muttaqi says.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 08:16pm

Field Marshal Munir expresses satisfaction with ‘robust defence collaboration’ in meeting with Saudi military commander

COAS reaffirms resolve to enhance existing military-to-military ties in meeting with Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammad.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 07:41pm

Punjab

Punjab govt lifts ban on Basant after 18 years

Cultural festival to be celebrated under strict regulations; shopkeepers and kites will be linked to QR code.

Updated 04 Dec, 2025 01:14am

Bidding for PIA to be held on Dec 23, says PM Shehbaz

Premier says process is moving along smoothly with "transparency and merit" being the government's top priority.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 06:36pm

Over 200 cultural heavyweights call for release of jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti

Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Mark Ruffalo and Josh O’Connor are among the signatories of an open letter demanding his release.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 04:46pm

Kyrgyzstan president arrives in Islamabad on 2-day maiden visit

PM Shehbaz says the visit, the first by a Kyrgyz president in 20 years, marks a "significant moment in our enduring brotherhood".

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 11:21pm

Sindh

Karachi ATC acquits Mahrang Baloch in terrorism, sedition case after a year

Mahrang had been booked in a terrorism case on Oct 11, 2024, for allegedly inciting people by levelling “allegations against security institutions”.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 04:12pm

Arshad Sharif murder: Federal Constitutional Court wonders whether it can proceed with suo motu case

Justice Farooq observes constitutional court cannot function “without satisfying itself” on the matter; court seeks progress report on murder probe.

Updated 04 Dec, 2025 12:50am

The Oxford Union just elected its first Palestinian president

Arwa Hanin Elrayess is also the first Arab woman and Algerian to hold the position, her father said.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 03:01pm

Ustaad Naseeruddin Saami dedicated decades to his art — today he plays for sold-out audiences in New York

After years of struggle in Pakistan, he and his sons, the Saami Brothers, headed to the US to establish a foothold for classical music.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 02:49pm

Sindh

Child’s drowning in manhole: Karachi mayor assures ‘impartial inquiry’, action against those found ‘negligent’ in visit to family

Says structured measures will be enacted to prevent such incidents in the future; KMC report attributes death to "carelessness" of BRT.

Updated 04 Dec, 2025 12:09am

Meet Ella Wadia, Jinnah’s great-great-granddaughter, who just made her Le Bal debut in Paris

Ella is the granddaughter of Nusli Wadia, son of Dina Wadia, and daughter of Jehangir Wadia and fashion designer Celina Wadia.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 02:18pm

South Asia

India ready to change state-run security app order after outcry

“We are ready to make changes to the order based on the feedback we receive,” communications minister tells lawmakers in parliament.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 02:18pm

Young Pakistanis turn to dating apps to bypass arranged marriages but cultural impact remains uncertain

Despite some versions of various matchmaking and dating platforms having been available in the country for nearly a decade, the topic is not openly discussed.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 02:07pm

Pakistan sends urban search and rescue team to assist cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

NDMA chairman says team is a “very competent military team”, will remain in the field as long as required.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 02:20pm

South Korea president feels should say sorry to North over leaflet drops

“I feel I should apologise, but I hesitate to say it out loud,” says Lee Jae Myung about his predecessor’s alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 01:28pm

Middle East

UNGA adopts resolution demanding Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory

Pakistan's UN envoy says Palestinians must be allowed to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 01:04pm

Indian rupee hits fresh record low past 90 per dollar

Setbacks in trade talks with US and weak corporate earnings have caused overseas investors to offload well over $16 billion in Indian shares this year so far.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 12:25pm

Singer Miley Cyrus is engaged to drummer Maxx Morando

The couple have been dating since 2021.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 12:01pm

Five-wicket Duffy puts New Zealand on top against West Indies

New Zealand stretch lead to 96 runs at stumps on day two in Christchurch after bowling out West Indies for 167.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:44am

Malaysia says search for long-missing flight MH370 to resume end of December

Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has not been found.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:43am

Dar says multilateralism ‘under assault’ amid complex security climate in South Asia

Deputy PM notes “regional connectivity is woefully inadequate", stresses need to " foster an environment of dialogue, peaceful coexistence".

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 12:32pm

KP & FATA

3 cops martyred in IED blast targeting police vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan

Martyred include an assistant sub-inspector; police say 2 terrorists killed in search and strike operation.

Updated 04 Dec, 2025 01:09am

Could you spare a little empathy, Mr Mayor?

Murtaza Wahab's response to the tragic and preventable death of a 3-year-old in Karachi was callous, to say the least.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:36am

Branded Content

Protecting Pakistan’s children with awareness

Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most preventable, but remains one of the most serious threats to children under five years old.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:33am

What is India’s politically contentious cyber safety app?

Currently available in Apple and Android app stores, Sanchar Saathi is billed as a citizen-centric safety tool.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:14am

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter tells White House to stop using her music

The Trump administration featured one of her songs on a social media video showing ICE agents apprehending people.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 11:11am

Manchester City’s Haaland becomes fastest player to 100 Premier League goals

The Norwegian achieved the feat in 111 games, 13 fewer than the previous fastest centurion Alan Shearer.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 10:58am

Inglis to get nod for second Ashes Test as Cummins comeback rumours grow

Skipper Cummins missed Australia's eight-wicket win in the Perth opener while recovering from a back injury.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 01:58pm

Top Featured

The rise and ruin of Keti Bunder

A once-thriving delta civilisation is now retreating inland as the Indus dries, the sea advances, and whole communities watch their land slip away.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 10:32am

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries

List of countries includes Afghanistan and Somalia; policy places hold on pending applications.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 09:32am

To revisit vertical distribution of resources through opaque bargaining, arm-twisting and political engineering is not a technical tweak

It strikes at the core of Pakistan’s federal compact and carries grave implications for provincial autonomy, federal cohesion and human development.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 09:25am

Potential imposition of governor rule in KP is all about power politics and pushing PTI govt to the wall

The shrinking democratic space in the country has already created a volatile situation and the ongoing politics of confrontation could derail the entire system.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 09:03am

KP & FATA

PHC suspends collection of fine from vehicles not having M-Tag

Directs NHA to submit its policy on toll tax.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:16am

Editorial: A parliament distracted by personal battles and narrow agendas cannot hope to command public respect

Is the sanctity of parliament something to be invoked only rhetorically, or is it ever to be upheld in practice as well?

Published 03 Dec, 2025 08:52am

Sindh

Anger grows over death of 3-year-old boy who drowned in open manhole in Karachi

Pleas for FIR against mayor, KWSC, Gulshan town chairman and judicial inquiry land in courts.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:26am

KP & FATA

Aids spreading fast in Khyber, warn health experts

Call for efforts to inform people about preventive measures.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:24am

KP & FATA

Oak forest depletion in South Waziristan raises alarm bells

Local elders say deforestation goes unchecked amid weak law enforcement and negligence of the forest department.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:05am

Sindh

Police honour teenager who found body of child who drowned in open manhole in Karachi

The civic bodies concerned had failed to give credit to the boy as they highlighted only their efforts.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 08:30am

KP & FATA

FC playing key role for peace, says Naqvi

Says the performance of FC personnel a clear reflection of their determination, passion and loyalty to the country.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:53am

Islamabad

Capital Development Authority kicks off upgradation of sectors

CDA starts recarpeting of roads, streets and lane marking of zebra crossings.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 09:01am

Islamabad

AJK signs MoUs with universities to strengthen wildlife management

Agreement described as major step towards modernising biodiversity governance.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 07:53am

Islamabad

Parliamentary committee on minority caucus convenes introductory session

Session opens with emphasis on justice, policy revision and equal rights for minority communities.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 07:49am

Companies need rapid compliance to save exports, WB economist warns

The country has not integrated into global value chains, unlike Vietnam, and its export base remains narrow.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 07:47am

Bill to set up minorities’ body passed by joint parliament session amid outcry

Proposed commission to have 18 members from all non-Muslim communities; law minister insists bill will not dilute anti-Ahmadiyya provisions.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 07:36am

Punjab

LHC chief justice restrains Punjab IGP from arresting underage drivers

IGP endorses crackdown on traffic law violations, says underage children must not drive without a licence.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:14am

Punjab

Large-scale reshuffle in district administration, police in Punjab

Govt reshuffles deputy commissioners, senior police officers of nine districts.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:15am

Punjab

Publishers oppose change in school curriculum in Punjab

Warn move will financially damage the publishing industry and disrupt the supply of textbooks for the upcoming academic session.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:49am

Punjab

Automotive industry concerned at ‘misuse of import schemes’

"Govt is not bothered about the local industry, which is 20pc of the country’s large-scale manufacturing business," laments former PAPAAM chairman.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:39am

Sindh

All milk samples collected in Karachi found unfit for human health, SHC told

Report by Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority shows presence of formalin and phosphate in samples.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:19am

International

Pope criticises anti-Muslim ‘fears’ in Europe, US

Says anti-Muslim sentiment “oftentimes generated by people who are against immigration and trying to keep out people who may be from another country, another religion, another race”.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:33am

International

Israel kills two Palestinians after West Bank attacks

Israeli military claims the two attacked soldiers in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:48am

International

Faberge’s rare Winter Egg fetches $30m at auction

The egg was commissioned by Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II for his mother in 1913.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:50am

International

Cyclone turns Sri Lanka’s tea mountains into death valley

Sri Lanka’s Air Force has been combing the landslide-struck landscape, surveying the damage and ferrying food and other essential supplies to marooned residents.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:20am

International

White House defends US attack on boat from Venezuela as lawful

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt says the defence secretary had authorised Admiral Frank Bradley to conduct the strikes on Sept 2.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:00am

Business

High-yield seeds key to revive cotton crop

PHHSA chairman says slow pace of PRA finalisation risks becoming most serious barrier to seed imports.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:02am

Business

Sales of cement fall, urea surge in November

Total cement despatches during Nov dip to 4.14m tonnes from 4.275m tonnes.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:14am

Business

Fruit, green exporters eye $2bn target in three years

Export orders received from UK, Germany and Oman during FoodAg Pakistan, says PFVA patron-in-chief.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:09am

Business

Exports dip for fourth straight month

Proceeds drop 15.4pc to $2.4bn in November; monthly import bill grows 5.4pc to $5.25bn.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:33am

Business

Turkiye, Pakistan forge energy cooperation

Two countries sign five memoranda of understanding and deeds of assignment for oil and gas exploration; companies reach exploration pacts for three offshore and two onshore fields.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:38am

Business

Index falls as profit-taking clips four-day rally

Sentiments weaken amid heightened political uncertainty.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:20am

National

Govt taking steps to enhance exports: PM

"Since day one, the government has been taking practical steps for export-driven economic growth,” says PM Shehbaz.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:11am

National

IHC seeks Justice Jahangiri’s degree record from HEC

HEC directed to appoint senior officer for court’s assistance.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:01am

Balochistan

Nokundi FC HQ standoff ends, all militants killed

Compound came under attack on Sunday; officials say all six militants killed in clearance operation.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:41am

National

Achakzai says Constitution reduced to formality

Chairman PkMAP says parliament formed through stolen mandates, money or influence has no authority to alter basic structure of Constitution.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:56am

Sindh

Mayor Wahab favours vertical expansion in Karachi

Mayor says informal settlements must be transformed through "out-of-the-box" solutions.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 08:07am

National

AJK cabinet approves health card scheme, revival of student unions

Cabinet approves uniform domestic and commercial power tariffs for 5kV and 60kV consumers, waives Rs139 million in outstanding electricity dues.

Published 03 Dec, 2025 05:54am

Back Page

Race to get aid to Asia flood survivors as toll hits 1,300

Hundreds of thousands living in shelters struggle to secure clean water, food.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:22am

Back Page

Iranian court demands US pay $22bn for ‘backing’ 2022 protests

“The traces of the United States are evident in many crimes committed in Iran, including during the sinister events of autumn 2022,” says judiciary spokesman.

Updated 03 Dec, 2025 07:19am

Wednesday, December 3, 2025